N.T Rama Rao, Arun Govil, Prabhas, Nandamuri Balakrishna: Looking at every iconic portrayal of Lord Rama over the decades

With the teaser of ‘Ramayana’ unveiled today, Ranbir Kapoor’s look as Lord Ram has instantly grabbed attention. As anticipation builds around this ambitious retelling, here’s revisiting actors across generations who have stepped into the role of Lord Rama and left a lasting impact through films and television adaptations.

Arun Govil’s portrayal of Lord Rama in ‘Ramayan’ (1987) remains the most iconic in Indian television history. His calm expression, composed dialogue delivery, and divine screen presence made him synonymous with the character. The series became a cultural phenomenon, and Govil’s image as Lord Rama continues to be deeply etched in the minds of audiences even decades later.

N.T. Rama Rao brought unmatched gravitas to Lord Rama in films like ‘Lava Kusha’ and ‘Sri Ramanjaneya Yuddham’. Known for his commanding personality, he portrayed Rama with a divine and royal aura. His performances elevated Telugu mythological cinema and remain benchmarks for portraying gods on screen with dignity, strength, and emotional depth.

Sobhan Babu’s portrayal of Lord Rama in ‘Sampoorna Ramayanam’ (1972) was widely appreciated for its emotional depth and sincerity. He brought a gentle and relatable dimension to the character while maintaining its divinity. His performance contributed significantly to the film’s success and is still remembered as one of the finest portrayals in Telugu cinema.

Gurmeet Choudhary’s take on Lord Rama in ‘Ramayan’ (2008) introduced the character to a new generation. His portrayal combined physical strength with emotional vulnerability, offering a more layered interpretation. While staying rooted in tradition, his performance connected well with contemporary audiences looking for a modern yet respectful depiction.

Nandamuri Balakrishna’s portrayal in ‘Sri Rama Rajyam’ (2011) was praised for its calmness and adherence to traditional values. He brought a composed and dignified presence to the role, especially in the later phases of Rama’s life. His performance resonated with audiences who appreciated a classic and devotional interpretation of the character.

Ashish Sharma’s performance in ‘Siya Ke Ram’ (2015) stood out for its emotional depth and progressive narrative. The show focused on Sita’s perspective, allowing his portrayal of Rama to explore softer, more human aspects. His nuanced acting added complexity to the character, making it relatable while staying true to its essence.

Prabhas took on the role of Lord Rama in ‘Adipurush’ (2023), bringing a contemporary and visually driven interpretation to the screen. While the film sparked mixed reactions, his portrayal aimed to present Rama to a younger audience through a grand cinematic scale. It marked a significant attempt to reinterpret the epic for modern viewers.